IRS Payment Plan Default

When you default on an installment arrangement there is no explanation. The most common reasons are:

You didn’t send in your payment or your payment was late. If you call immediately upon receiving the notice, you can usually be reinstated as soon as your payments are current. Don’t depend on the IRS vouchers as a reminder to make your payment. Vouchers can come to you after the due date or not at all. Have a note on your calendar to make your payment whether or not the voucher shows up. If you send in a payment without a voucher, include your social security number, the tax year to apply the payment (2020-1040) and have your phone number on the check.

You filed your return late or did not pay your taxes in full when you filed your return. One of the conditions of having a payment plan with the IRS is that you don’t get behind on filing or paying in the future. Again, the IRS will likely reinstate the agreement if you can bring your payments current and you contact them immediately after receiving the notice of default. To prevent this from happening in the future make sure your estimated taxes are paid timely if you are self employed or that your withholdings are sufficient if you are an employee.

If you default and you have to renegotiate your payment plan with the IRS it is unlikely you will get the same payment amount. If your financial situation has worsened, your payment amount will be reduced. Likewise, if your financial situation has improved, your payment amount will go up. Rather than just go back into another installment arrangement, I advise our clients to reevaluate to see if there is another settlement option that would be better now that their situation has changed.

There are legitimate situations where I advise clients to strategically default on purpose so that a better settlement can be reached with the IRS. This should only be done with the help of a professional representative who can guide you through the renegotiation process. Our company has over 45 years of tax preparation and IRS negotiation experience.

Scott Allen E. A.

Tax Debt Advisors, Inc.

Ways to stop Wage Garnishment and IRS Levy

When clients contact us about a garnishment or levy by the IRS on their wages they want it removed as quickly as possible. I understand that, but it is also prudent to make sure that any “posturing” that will help the situation long term is done first.

The IRS will allow reasonable amounts for living expenses before considering what amount is available for one’s historical tax debt. Before agreeing to a monthly payment plan to get the levy released, there are a number of posturing items to resolve as quickly as possible.

First, make sure your withholdings on your pay check is correct. If you are claiming too many exemptions, correct you W-4 form immediately so that you will not owe any taxes when you file the current year return. Every additional dollar you have withheld will reduce your monthly payment by exactly the same amount.

Second, if you have a car that needs to be replaced or one that you own free and clear, you may want to consider getting a new or newer vehicle. Once you are locked in on a monthly payment amount, the IRS will file a tax lien and the lien will make it next to impossible to get a car loan. If you have an old vehicle that you own free and clear and you turn it in for a newer car, the payments you make will reduce the amount you have to pay on your historical tax debt dollar for dollar up to a certain amount. Right now that amount is $588.

Thirdly, if you don’t have health insurance consider getting a policy. Again, you reduce your monthly payment to the IRS on your past tax debt dollar for dollar on the cost of your insurance premiums. If you want health insurance instead of making a higher monthly payment to the IRS you will need to do this before the installment arrangement is entered into.

It is not possible in a short blog to list all of the items one needs to consider. Posturing can lower the amount the IRS will consider for an Offer in Compromise. It can qualify you for non-collectible status, and it can make it possible for you to discharge your taxes in bankruptcy and make no payment at all to the IRS on your past debt. Remember that these suggestions are not universal and need to be reviewed with a professional after making your representative knowledgeable of your financial affairs. Call and speak with Scott today do discuss the best settlement option for you.

Scott Allen E.A. – President

Tax Debt Advisors, Inc. – Since 1977

Mesa AZ IRS Installment Payment Plan

WHAT CAUSED MY IRS PAYMENT PLAN TO DEFAULT?

IRS Payment Plan Default

WAGE GARNISHMENT AND IRS LEVY

Ways to stop Wage Garnishment and IRS Levy